“The governor’s budget proposal is a sound continuation of last year’s effort to rein in state spending without raising taxes or resorting to new borrowing. I believe the plan hits close to the mark on a number of my key priorities and provides a solid starting point for this year’s budget discussion.

“The governor’s budget proposal is a sound continuation of last year’s effort to rein in state spending without raising taxes or resorting to new borrowing. I believe the plan hits close to the mark on a number of my key priorities and provides a solid starting point for this year’s budget discussion.

ONEONTA, 02/02/12 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) has been named to two key senate budget sub-committees which will review the governor’s budget proposal and offer recommendations for modifications. Senator Seward will serve on the health sub-committee and the education sub-committee.

Regarding his health subcommittee assignment Senator Seward said:

“A number of important issues are included under the health heading – a state takeover of Medicaid, creation of a health insurance exchange, and funding for vital public health programs,” said Senator Seward. “Ensuring the public’s needs are met while keeping state spending in check will be a primary focus.”

ALBANY, 02/15/12 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta) today met with Governor Cuomo’s Deputy Secretary for Education David Wakelyn and delivered over 600 letters signed by parents, educators and other concerned citizens at a recent forum at Unatego High School. Senator Seward also attended the forum which was designed to facilitate a discussion on proposed state budget cuts and the impact on Unatego and similar schools.

ALBANY, 02-29-12 - The Senate’s Republican Majority has reduced senate spending by $7.8 million over the last six months and $11.1 million in the last year alone, saving hardworking taxpayers millions of dollars while creating a leaner, functional and more efficient state government. These figures were released tod

“Passage of a senate spending plan is an important step toward final enactment of an on-time state budget that controls spending, cuts taxes and includes vital job creation tools. The plan closes a $2 billion deficit and builds on last year’s success.

ALBANY, 03/14/12 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) has been named to two key joint budget conference committees which held their first meetings today in Albany. Senator Seward will serve on the higher education subcommittee and the education subcommittee.

“The announced budget agreement sets New York on course to approve an on time spending plan for a second consecutive year. More than the timeliness, the plan meets upstate needs, provides incentives for private sector job growth and closes a $3.5 billion budget gap without raising taxes.

“One item I fought hard for was funding for our rural, low-wealth school districts and additional aid was included in the final agreement. Community colleges also benefited, ensuring quality, affordable higher education for our young people.

Albany, 03/28-12 —State Senators James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta), Tom O’Mara (R/C-Big Flats), and Mike Nozzolio (R/C-Seneca Falls) announced today that the 2012-2013 state budget includes $800,000 in funding to assist local efforts to stop the spread of the invasive aquatic plant hydrilla, which was found last year in the Cayuga Inlet.

The trio of state lawmakers has been working closely with local leaders and other state officials to urge both houses of the Legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo to provide increased state support to begin a more aggressive, effective eradication program this spring.

ALBANY, 03/29/12 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today commented on the education aid portion of the 2012-2013 state budget:

“Providing our upstate rural schools with the resources they need to help our students achieve more in the classroom has always been a high priority of mine. This year I fought diligently to funnel more state dollars to high need, low wealth districts – keeping in mind New York’s fiscal condition. The final per-pupil aid figures reflect that successful effort.”